Re-Advertised: Partnerships Specialist P3-Fixed Term Appointment ECARO Geneva, Switzerland PN#129117

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Hope

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Job organizational context and purpose for the job  :

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) supports Country Offices and Governments to advance towards the full realization of all child rights across the region, with country offices in 22 countries and territories to ensure that no child is left behind. The Regional Office plays both a technical advisory and oversight role, guiding country offices in designing, implementing and documenting results for children.

Under the supervision of the Regional Adviser Partnerships (P-5), this role of Partnership Specialist (P-3) will: i) support the advancement of cooperative engagement and positioning with key stakeholders across the ECA region, with a specific focus on European IFIs (i.e. EIB and EBRD), while facilitating technical aspects of expanded strategic partnership and alliances across the region, and ii) support the Regional Adviser Partnerships and the ECARO team, outposted in Moscow, on technical aspects of strategic partnership between UNICEF and the Russian Federation. 

S/He jointly with the Partnerships section and other teams at the RO and the HQ will provide an interface for donor environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy influence within the scope of assignment. S/He may also serve as focal point and resource to support the colleagues at the RO/COs on specific thematic areas of strategic relevance for  partnership development with IFIs and public donors if needed. The key result is to ensure greater visibility and influence for UNICEF, mobilizing quality resources in support of its mission.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Coordinate and Enhance Collaborative Engagements with International Financial Institutions (IFIs)

• Support the planning and coordination of ongoing thematic dialogues and sub-regional initiatives between Regional and Country Offices and various IFIs to strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Support in identifying  and developing opportunities for collaboration with IFIs by aligning mutual objectives and facilitating effective communication channels among stakeholders.
• Provide comprehensive support in organizing high-level meetings, workshops, and forums that promote dialogue and cooperation between UNICEF offices and IFIs.

2. Monitor and Manage IFI Engagement Frameworks and Action Plans

• Oversee the continuous updating and management of the IFI Engagement Matrix, ensuring accurate tracking of partnership activities, commitments, and progress across all relevant offices.
• Collaborate closely with Regional and Country Office teams to follow up on agreed action points and timelines, ensuring timely and effe